TEHRAN- Following the sale of a historic artwork attributed to the prominent Safavid-era artist Reza Abbasi, debates developed regarding the legality of the sale and its authenticity.The sale, which happened at the 22nd Tehran Auction on Friday, has actually drawn criticism from cultural heritage authorities and raised questions amongst art specialists, Mehr reported.Hours before the auctions commencement, Leila Khosravi, Acting Director General of Museums, voiced concerns over the sale of conventional artworks, some going back over a century, the report added.Citing the 1930 Law on the Protection of National and Cultural Heritage, Khosravi highlighted that the export and sale of artifacts older than 100 years are strictly forbidden without explicit permission from the Deputy of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.She even more clarified that such art work can just be sold within Iran after official recognition and accreditation by the ministry.The Tehran Auction, in its current edition, showcased a collection of conventional, classical, and modern Iranian arts, including 25 traditional and 75 modern pieces.Auction organizers, nevertheless, asserted that they had actually secured the required authorizations from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, as well as specific authorization from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts for the sale of artworks going beyond a century in age.Mahmoud Nourai, public relations director for the Tehran Auction, safeguarded the art works provenance, stating that the Portrait of a Seated Girl possesses a documented history, tracing back to a gift from the Safavid rulers of Isfahan to a popular family.Despite these assurances, Khosravi later released a declaration deeming the art works sale illegal.Adding to the complexity, questions have been raised regarding the credibility of the Abbasi attribution.
Art experts have indicated discrepancies in handwriting, the absence of particular characteristic methods, and disparities in the art works supposed development date and style.Despite the concerns, the Tehran Auction has actually preserved that professional analysis, including paper and color testing, has actually been conducted.Furthermore, the auction brochure included a picture of another Reza Abbasi artwork, cost Christies in 2018, highlighting the longstanding issue of valuable art work leaving the country.This event highlights the need for stronger procedures to manage the export of national treasures.
By displaying and auctioning the artwork within Iran, the Tehran Auction has actually relatively warded off any attempt to smuggle the artifact out of the country, as well.The painting Portrait of a Seated Girl by Reza Abbasi was the highest-grossing piece at this edition of the auction, which was sold for $264,000 (224.4 billion rials).
The second-highest sale was a set of personalized candlesticks by Hossein Alaghmandan, bring $134,588 (114.4 billion rials).
The third place was shared between the paintings Genesis by Mahmoud Farshchian and Forgiveness by Wahed Khakdan, both costing $121,647 (103.4 billion rials).
The first of its kind in Iran, the Tehran Auction was introduced in 2012 as an independent and private initiative to introduce the best in Iranian art, ranging from established and emerging Iranian artists to art collectors and the global audience.It aims to resolve the increasing interest in modern-day and contemporary Iranian art and facilitate the acquisition of quality works in reputable ways.SAB/